43. Captain BALFOURasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what size of garrison ground force will be required for the protection of the proposed mid-desert Iraq air base of Dhibban when fully occupied; how the safe arrival of stores and supplies from railhead will be assured; and what forces will be required for the protection of the lines of communication?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt is not practicable within the limits-of an oral reply to give my hon. and gallant Friend the detailed information for which he asks. With his permission, therefore, I will communicate with him in writing on the subject at an early date.
44. Captain BALFOURasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what living accommodation for officers and other ranks will be provided in the new mid-desert Iraq air base of Dhibban; whether any wives of officers or other ranks will be allowed to have quarters within the camp walls; and, if not, whether wives of certain officers and other officials hitherto allowed to reside in Baghdad will continue to be permitted to stay in that city?
§ Sir P. SASSOONIt is intended to provide living accommodation at the new base on the scale approved for British troops in India, but married quarters will not be provided. The matter raised in the last part of the question will be considered at the appropriate time in the light of the circumstances then prevailing. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the move to Dhibban will not take place for some four years.